Illumination device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an illumination device comprising at least one electrical planar lamp module that is provided with a module housing, the depth of which is small compared to the light-emitting area of the planar lamp module. Said planar lamp module can be connected to other planar lamp modules. The module housing encompasses a lamp housing and a lamp frame which is connected to the lamp housing and is provided with means for mechanically connecting the lamp frame to the lamp frame of at least one additional planar lamp module.

The invention relates to an illumination device comprising at least oneelectrical panel lamp module according to the preamble of claim 1.

A modular lighting system is known from DE 101 15 846 A1 in which alight band of any length is generated by placing individual oblongelements side by side in a row and in which oblong fluorescent lightsare housed electrically connected in series in an oblong housing whichis made of up oblong support profiles of U-shaped cross-sectionalprofile placed side by side in a row. In order to simplify assembly andincrease the flexibility during use the fluorescent lights contain inone structural unit a luminescent tube and an associated electronicballast as well as means for detachable electrical connection withadjoining lights wherein the fluorescent lights are detachably fixed inthe housing.

The known modular light system is only suitable for tubular-shapedlights arranged in series and is not suitable for the modularconstruction of planar lamps.

From DE 198 33 217 A1 a fluorescent tubular light is known having one ormore fluorescent tubes and reflectors for the fluorescent tubes andhaving a cross-section which enables several such fluorescent tubularlights to be arranged in series. The housing of the fluorescent tubularlights has a rectangular cross-section and on the sides of the housingthere are connecting devices with interengaging detent devices toconnect several housings together in a row.

In the event of several lights arranged in series one ballast has to beprovided for each light combination and is connectable to the individuallights electrically through branch plugs so that a number of electricalplugs and leads corresponding to the number of lights needs to beprovided.

This known arrangement of several fluorescent tubular lights in a rowhas a housing profile which is characterised by connecting devices inthe form of bolts and hook profiles so that a single fluorescent tubularlight has an optically unassuming housing shape. The electricalconnection required with each individual fluorescent tubular lightfurthermore produces a plurality of electrical plug connections andleads which makes this illumination device little suited for mobile use.

From DE 19830271 A1 an illumination device is known having a modularconstruction which consists of a lighting body and a housing holding thelight body and with connecting means for mechanical connection to othersimilar housings and means for adapting the voltage when the operatingvoltage of the lighting means deviates from the mains voltage. Themodules of the illumination system are joined into different lengthstraight sections and different curved sections in order to produce anuninterrupted lighting strip.

From DE 19853424 A1 a light diode block is known whose housing wall hasstuds and associated hollow bodies which can be connected together inthe manner of toy building blocks to make up a larger light source. Thestuds and hollow bodies serve both for the mechanical connection of theindividual light diode blocks and for the electrical lead connection.

From EP A 0 848 206 an illumination device is known which consistseither of a single holding and assembly element provided with a frameand attached to the frame with a current supply and current dischargelead or of a plurality of light-emitting faces in one common support andassembly frame which have on the sides of their lamp housing plugdevices for electrical connection. The possibility for modular expansionof this illumination device is however restricted to the dimensions ofthe support and assembly frame which is to be made matching theillumination device as well as to planar lamps mounted side by side.

From DE A 198 33 217 a fluorescent lamp is known whose box like housinghas an open front side set in the longitudinal direction of the box asthe light-emitting side in which a reflector and luminescent tube arehoused. On a side wall adjoining the light-emitting side the housing hasa hollow profiled rail running over the entire length of the box and onthe opposite side wall has a hook profile which fits into the hollowprofiled rail so that when fitting two lamps together in a row the hookprofile of one lamp engages positively in the opening of the hollowprofiled rail of the adjoining lamp and the hooked part of the profileprojects into the profiled rail. For a secure connection of the twolamps arranged in a row a bolt profile is additionally provided which isheld by retaining clips and which is inserted into the hollow profiledrail of the adjacent lamp to engage in the hooked profile.

To further increase the stability and security of the connection of twoor more lamps a web is provided along the edge of the light-emittingside and on the side of the first hollow profiled rail whilst a hookedstrip is provided on the opposite edge and can be drawn round this web.

However since there is no possibility of separating the lamp housing andlamp frame it is not possible to dimension the lamp frame independentlyof the proposed lamp housing. Furthermore with this illumination devicea modular expansion is only possible with illumination modules which arearranged side by side.

The object of the present invention is to provide an illumination deviceof the type mentioned at the beginning which enables a connection of anynumber of electrical panel lamp modules arranged side by side and/or oneabove the other to make up an illumination device with a largelight-emitting surface with a small structural depth and in variablestructural shape, guarantees in any combination of panel lamp modulesarranged side by side or one above the other a closed opticallyacceptable illumination device and which is easy to handle both duringassembly of several individual panel lamp modules and in the assembledstate as one large-surface illumination device and which ensures astable connection.

This is achieved according to the invention through the features ofclaim.

The solution according to the invention provides an illumination devicewhich can be combined from any number of panel lamp modules arrangedside by side and/or one above the other to make up one illuminationdevice having a large light-emitting surface with a low structural depthand in different structural forms, ensures in any combination of planarlight modules arranged side by side or one above the other both withlight frames connected together and with one light frame encompassingall the light housings a closed, optically acceptable illuminationdevice which is easy to handle both during assembly of several panellamp modules and in the assembled state as a large-surface illuminationdevice and which ensures a stable connection.

Owing to the separation of the lamp housing and the lamp frame thesolution according to the invention enables in different embodiments

-   a) the electrical and mechanical connection of several panel lamp    modules comprised of a lamp housing and a lamp frame through the end    sides of the lamp frames;-   b) a separated electrical connection through connectors on the lamp    housings and a mechanical connection through the lamp frame which    holds the lamp housing.

The lamp frame preferably has means for the mechanical connection of thelamp frame to the lamp frame of at least one further panel lamp moduleand has compared to the lamp housing in particular a greater depth sothat there is greater freedom when connecting the lamp frames of severalpanel lamp modules into one large-surface illumination device as well asa problem-free cabling for the electrical connection of the panel lampmodules which is in particular not visible owing to the cabling beingarranged on the back of the illumination device.

As spacers and for the flat bearing contact when fitting the panel lampmodules on a wall or shelf on a horizontal surface as well as forstacking several panel lamp modules, spacers, preferably designed asrubber buffers, are mounted in the corner regions of the back wall ofthe lamp housing opposite the light-emitting front side so that a spotbearing is produced away from the light-emitting glass surface of theplanar lamps.

In a first variation of the solution according to the invention the lampframe has assembly bores which are aligned flush with each other forconnection with the lamp frame of at least a further panel lamp modulewherein the arms of the lamp frames of the panel lamp modules beingconnected together are aligned flush relative to each other. For amechanical connection of the panel lamp modules, connecting elements arefitted through the aligned assembly bores and are connected togetherwith positive-locking and/or force-locking engagement or are broughtinto the locking position.

In order to produce a readily releasable connection the connectingelements consist of lateral connectors with a cylindrical connectingbody whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the assembly bores,a stop shoulder mounted at one end of the cylindrical connecting body, alever, and of a bolt connected to the lever and guided through thecylindrical connecting body, wherein between the end of the bolt and theend of the cylindrical connecting body a groove is formed which can beadjusted in its width by actuating the lever and in which an elasticring is mounted which can be expanded through compression.

This type of connection enables the arrangement of a number of lateralconnectors corresponding to the number of assembly bores in the case ofpanel lamp modules arranged parallel or in series with each other, andensures a simple connection and separation of the lamp frame.

Particularly for a fixed installation of the illumination device forexample on a (positioning) wall or ceiling, screws and nuts can beprovided as the connecting elements to connect the lamp frames to eachother. Alternatively the connecting elements consist of bayonet-lockingor dovetailed connections wherein the latter are connected together byfitting the individual lamp frames on each other.

In a preferred embodiment the lamp housing is comprised of a lighthousing for holding a planar lamp, a heat distribution plate at the backof the light housing remote from the light-emitting side, and of a backwall.

Owing to its modular structure this combination enables the use ofdifferent lamps in structurally identical light housings, a uniformdistribution of the heat given out by the lamps as well as an individualconfiguration of the back wall for holding a ballast or controlelectronics and the electrical connections of the planar lamps.

Furthermore in this embodiment at least one contact element and at leastone contact receiver element are arranged on the back wall of the lamphousing for controlling and supplying current to the panel lamp module.In particular the back wall of the lamp housing has for this purpose acentral raised region projecting into the lamp frame whereby the atleast one contact element and contact receiver element are multi-polarand are arranged on an end side of the raised region so that aproblem-free fitting of the ballast and the lamp electronics as well aseasy access to the electrical connections of the panel lamp module areensured even where several panel lamp modules are connected together.

The accessibility to the contact elements and contact receiver elementsis further improved in that the middle raised region projecting into thelamp frame is rectangular in design with a diagonal side bridging onecorner and that the at least one contact element and contact receiverelement are mounted on the diagonal side.

For cascading the panel lamp modules the lamp frame has in the region ofat least one arm a socket for connecting with the positive lockingelements, consisting of a recess for connecting with a positive lockingor connecting element which connects two aligned sockets of two lampframes together.

Furthermore the panel lamp modules or lamp housings can be connected toa power supply module through cable connections.

In order even with a number of interconnected panel lamp modules or lamphousings to be able to individually control individual panel lampmodules or groups of combined or separately mounted panel lamp modulesof a large surface illumination device the contact elements have eithera number of contacts for individual control and power supply of theindividual electrical panel lamp modules in series which (number)corresponds to the number of electrical panel lamp modules in series, ora control and/or data bus through which the electrical panel lampmodules arranged in series can be individually addressed and controlled.

Furthermore an electric switch can be provided on the lamp housing forindividually activating individual panel lamp modules.

By separating the lamp housings and lamp frame it is possible to connectthe lamp frame at the light-emitting front side of the lamp housing toan accessory frame for holding a filter, shutter, colour changer or thelike without straining the lamp housing containing the lighting means.

In order to make it easier to access and change for example filters orthe like inserted in the accessory frame the accessory frame which isconnected to the lamp frame can be folded down from the lamp frame.

Both a single panel lamp module and several panel lamp modules or lamphousings arranged in series and/or parallel to each other and connectedtogether can be connected through the or each lamp frame to a holderwhich thereby holds all the panel lamp modules which make up theillumination device.

In a preferred embodiment the arms of the lamp frame preferably havecentrally mounted positive or force locking engagement elements whilstthe ends of the holder which more particularly consists of a supportingbracket are provided with corresponding counter positive lockingelements or counter force locking engagement elements which areconnected to the positive or force locking engagement elements on thearms of the lamp frame.

In a preferred embodiment the supporting bracket is designed of variablelength so that in the case of a rectangular panel lamp module or lampframe it can be fitted on either the short or long axis of the panellamp module or illumination device made up of several panel lampmodules, and the illumination device can be pivoted about the short orlong axis. A corresponding adjusting device enables different internalwidths of the supporting bracket to be set.

For the alternative fixing of the panel lamp module or the illuminationdevice made up of several panel lamp modules, a guide and socket plateis mounted on the back wall of the lamp housing in to which fixingelements are inserted which can be connected to the panel lamp module,such as for example a pivotal stud for connection to a correspondingsleeve of a tripod or wall or ceiling fixing.

For this purpose the socket and guide plate has at least two guide railsarranged either side of the insert opening, and in the insert directionof the fixing element in front of the insert opening a locking elementis mounted on the back wall of the lamp housing.

The locking element consists in particular of a resilient pressuremember so that on sliding the fixing element into the socket and guideplate the fixing element slides over the resilient pressure member whichthen engages when the fixing element is fully inserted into the socketand guide plate. For removal the locking element can be released againby pressure.

For easier handling of one or more panel modules a handle, preferably acast plastics handle, is disposed on the side of the socket and guideplate opposite the insert opening.

The use of a flat discharge lamp as the panel lamp module isparticularly suitable for the large surface illumination deviceaccording to the invention.

The idea on which the invention is based as well as individual solutionsforming features of the invention will now be described in furtherdetail with reference to embodiments of the invention illustrated in thedrawings. They show:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of an illumination device with threeelectrical panel lamp modules, connected together in series, of onemodular expandable system of similar type electrical panel lamp modules;

FIG. 2 a front side view of the illumination device according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a perspective rear side view of the illumination device accordingto FIG. 1 in a first embodiment;

FIG. 4 a perspective view of the rear side view of a single panel lampmodule in the first embodiment with a lamp frame set lower than the lamphousing;

FIG. 5 a rear side view of the panel lamp module according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 a sectional view through the panel lamp module according to FIGS.4 and 5 along the sectional line VI-VI according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 a side view of the panel lamp module according to FIGS. 4 to 6;

FIG. 8 a side view of the panel lamp module according to FIGS. 4 to 6with a fixing means inserted in a socket guide plate;

FIG. 9 a side view of the arrangement according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 a plan view of two panel lamp modules to be connected by meansof a lateral connector;

FIG. 11 a plan view of the two panel lamp modules connected by means ofa lateral connector according to FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of a lateral connector for connecting thelamp frames of panel lamp modules;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the lamp frame of a panel lamp module witha hinged accessory frame folded up closed;

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the lamp frame according to FIG. 13 with ahinged accessory frame tilted away from the lamp frame;

FIG. 15 shows a plan view of an illumination device comprising four lamphousings arranged superposed in one lamp frame and

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a length-adjustable supportingbracket.

The illumination device according to the invention enables whilstretaining the principle of separating the panel lamp modules into a lamphousing and a lamp frame with a series connection several individualpanel lamp modules to make up one large surface illumination device orwith a series connection of several light housings inside a lamp frameencompassing all the light housings to make up one large surfaceillumination device with different design variations of which twodifferent variations are shown in FIGS. 1 to 15, and will be describedbelow, whilst FIGS. 13 and 14 show a connection of an illuminationdevice to an accessory frame and FIG. 16 shows a fixing of theillumination device on a supporting bracket. The supporting bracket andthe accessory frame can be used in all four variations described andillustrated.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an illumination device comprising three panel lampmodules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c of a modular expandable system using identicalelectrical panel lamp modules which are arranged one above the other andare connected together electrically and mechanically, and whichcorrespond to the panel lamp module illustrated in a perspective rearview in FIG. 4 in a first embodiment and are connected togetheraccording to FIGS. 5 to 7.

The panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c which are fixedly connectedtogether and make up one unitary large surface illumination devicecreate a large illumination surface area, as required for backgroundilluminations or shadow-free illumination of persons and objects. Theillumination device which is comprised of the three individual panellamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c can be handled as one unit and can beconnected to a tripod or ceiling holder through a holder 6 which isfixed on one of the panel lamp modules—in the illustrated embodiment themiddle panel lamp module 1 b.

To supply current to the illumination device or the individual panellamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and to control the panel lamp modules 1 a, 1b, 1 c a single cable 80 is used which is connected to a contactreceiver element of the lower panel lamp module 1 c and which isconnected from there through cable connections 81, 82 to the additionalpanel lamp modules 1 b and 1 a. In this way it is possible to controland, depending on the technical lighting conditions, to dim, each one ofthe panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b and 1 c, two panel lamp modules, by wayof example the panel lamp modules 1 a and 1 b, or all three panel lampmodules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c.

As a result of the modular expansion of the panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b,1 c over all four end sides it is possible to achieve any configurationof illumination device which is made up of the individual panel lampmodules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c.

Since in a preferred embodiment the individual contact elements of thepanel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c have in addition to the power supplycontacts also a control and/or data bus which enables the individualpanel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c to be addressed in any way, only asingle cable slipping through the panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c withcable sections 80, 81, 82 is required. Through this and through the typeof connection of the individual panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c witheach other it is possible to achieve a simple construction of anillumination device designed as a planar lamp in practically any sizeand configuration.

The construction of the individual panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b, 1 c willnow be described below with reference to FIG. 4 to 7.

FIG. 4 shows in a diagrammatic perspective illustration the rear view ofa panel lamp module 1, FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the rear side of thepanel lamp module, FIG. 6 shows a section through the panel lamp modulealong the sectional line VI-VI according to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 shows aside view of the panel lamp module.

The rectangular or box-type module housing 10 is comprised of a lamphousing 2 and a lamp frame 3 running on the outside round the lamphousing 2 and having several assembly bores 30 spread out in the arms 31to 34 of the lamp frame 3 for connection and modular expansion with thelamp frames 3 of further panel lamp modules. The lamp housing 2 isplaced lower than the lamp frame 3 whereby the front side of the lamphousing 2 closes flush with the lamp frame 3.

The lamp housing 2 has a raised rectangular region 22 protruding fromthe rear wall 21 remote from the light-emitting surface of the lamphousing 2, with a diagonal side 23 spanning a corner of the raisedregion 22. The raised region 22 of the rear wall 21 serves to house theballast as well as the lamp electronics for controlling and regulatingthe bulb which is mounted in the light housing. Through the incline ofthe raised surface 22 sufficient space is provided for the arrangementand electrical connection of the contact elements 41, 42 provided withthe control electronics and ballast arranged inside the raised surfacearea 22, as well as for mounting an electrical switch 43 and for housingthe connecting cables.

As spacers and for the flat bearing contact when attaching the panellamp module 1 on a wall or shelf on a horizontal surface as well as forstacking several panel lamp modules, spacers 24 preferably designed asrubber buffers are arranged in the corner regions of the back wall 21 ofthe lamp housing 2 opposite the light-emitting front side so that a spotbearing contact is produced away from the light-emitting glass surfaceof the panel lamp modules 1.

In the case of a wall assembly the panel lamp modules lie on spacers 24designed as rubber buffers. Since the spacers 24 project beyond the lampframe 3 there is the possibility of hiding the connecting cables for thepower supply and control of the individual panel lamp modules duringwall assembly behind the panel lamp modules and thus out of sight behindthe illumination device.

On the raised region 22 of the back wall 21 is a socket and guide plate5 which is provided with a handle 50 preferably made of plastics andwhich has two side guide rails 51 whose ends mounted opposite the handle50 form an insert opening 53. Centrally in front of the insert opening53 is a locking element 15 in the form of a resilient pressure member.The task and function of the socket and guide plate 5 as well as of thelocking element 15 will be explained in further detail below withreference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 shows in a diagrammatic perspective view the back of a panel lampmodule as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 whilst FIG. 9shows a side view of same.

A fixing element 8 which is inserted into the socket of the guide plate5 consists of a fixing plate 80, a connecting body 81 connected to thefixing plate 80, a pivotal stud 82 and a tension element 83. The fixingplate 80 is fitted onto the locking element for connection with thesocket and guide plate 5 and presses down this locking element 15, whichis preferably designed as a resilient pressure member, on sliding intothe side guide rails 51 of the socket and guide plate 5. If the fixingelement 8 is fully inserted into the socket and guide plate 5 then theresilient pressure member 15 engages in an opening of the fixing plate80 or—as shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 8—bears against theoutside edge of the fixing plate 80.

In order to separate the fixing element 8 from the socket and guideplate 5 the locking element 15 is released by pressing down the lockingelement 15 which is designed as a resilient pressure member andwithdrawing the fixing plate 80 by sliding it out from the socket andguide plate 5 over the locking element 15.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 the fixing element has apivotal stud 82 which can be locked in any angular position by means ofthe tension element 83. The pivotal stud 82 can be inserted and lockedin a socket sleeve of a tripod or other fixing device for holding thepanel lamp module.

Both standardized embodiments and special fixing devices such as forexample clamping devices or the like can be provided as fixing elements8.

The connection of several panel lamp modules 1 of the first designillustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9 into one planar illumination device is showndiagrammatically in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The end sides of two lamp frames 3 a, 3 b of two panel lamp modules 1 a,1 b placed against each other are fixedly connected by means of one ormore lateral connectors 7 fitted in through assembly bores 30 accordingto FIG. 4 whereby FIG. 10 shows the connection of the two panel lampmodules 1 a, 1 b before the lateral connector 7 engages whilst FIG. 11shows the connection of the panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b after thelateral connector engages.

FIG. 12 shows the construction of a lateral connector which consists ofa hollow cylindrical connecting body 70, a stop shoulder 71 mounted atone end of the hollow cylindrical connecting body 70, a contact bearingmember 72 which is connected through a connecting rod to a lever 73mounted on the shoulder 71, and an elastic ring 75 inserted in thegroove 74 formed between the contact bearing member 72 and the end ofthe hollow cylindrical connecting body 70. With the position of thelever 73 illustrated in FIG. 12 which corresponds to the position shownin FIG. 11 the contact bearing member 72 is tightened against the end ofthe hollow cylindrical connecting body 70 so that the groove 74 formedbetween the bearing member and the end of the hollow cylindricalconnecting body 70 is made smaller and thus the elastic ring 75 iswidened out. A restriction is thereby formed between the widened elasticring 75 and the bearing shoulder 71 which according to the illustrationin FIG. 11 connects the lamp frames 3 a and 3 b of the panel lampmodules 1 a, 1 b together.

By turning the lever 73 round into a position which lies in theextension of the cylindrical connecting body 70 corresponding to theillustration in FIG. 10, the groove 74 is widened out and thus theexpansion of the elastic ring 75 is eliminated. Since the outer diameterof the hollow cylindrical connecting body 70 and the outer diameter ofthe relaxed elastic ring 75 are smaller than the diameter of theassembly bores 70 in the arms of the lamp frame, the lateral connector 7can be pushed through the aligned assembly bores 30 of the lamp frames 3a, 3 b of the panel lamp modules 1 a, 1 b which are to be connectedaccording to FIG. 10.

After pushing the lateral connector 7 through the aligned assembly bores30 of the lamp frames 3 a, 3 b the lever 73 is pivoted into the positionshown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in which the contact bearing member 72 istightened and thus the elastic ring 75 is widened out.

Through a corresponding matching length between the end sides of thelamp frames 3 a, 3 b which are to be connected and the length of the gapbetween the expanded elastic ring 75 and the bearing shoulder 71 a fixedpositive locking detent connection is produced between the lamp frames 3a, 3 b according to FIG. 11.

As an alternative to the connection of the lamp frames 3 a, 3 b by meansof a lateral connector it is also possible to produce a solidpositive-locking and force-locking connection by means of screws andnuts which is particularly advantageous in the case of a fixed wall orceiling mounting of the illumination device.

Further alternatives are bayonet locking connections between theindividual lamp frames or through corresponding profiling of the outerside of the lamp frames to produce dovetailed connections.

For light control the lamp frame 3 of the panel lamp modules 1 canaccording to FIGS. 13 and 14 additionally be connected to a movableaccessory frame 9 to hold filter discs, colour filters, shutters and thelike. The connection is through a push-fit or hinge connection 90 on oneof the end sides of the lamp frame 3 as well as through a folding hinge91 and a securing element 92. FIG. 13 shows the accessory frame 9 in thefitted secured position whilst FIG. 14 shows a side view of the lampframe 3 with an accessory frame 9 unfolded so that easy exchange of forexample filter discs, colour changers, lenses or colour foils ispossible.

As an alternative to the connection of several panel lamp modules eachcomprising a lamp housing and a lamp frame it is possible as a result ofmaking up panel lamp modules from lamp frames and lamp housings also tomake up several lamp housings arranged above and/or side by side eachother in one lamp frame encompassing all the lamp housings into onelarge-surface illumination device. Two possible variations are shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 and will be explained in further detail below.

FIG. 15 shows an illumination device consisting of four lamp housings 2a to 2 d which are connected together mechanically in one lamp frame 3 cencompassing the lamp housings 2 a to 2 d. The electrical connection ofthe lamp housings 2 a to 2 d takes place in the manner described abovethrough control and power supply cables placed on the back wall of thelamp housings 2 a to 2 d. The four lamp housings 2 a to 2 d which arearranged one above the other are also connected at the sides and inrelation to the topmost and lowest lamp housings 2 a and 2 d in themanner described above on one end side to the lamp frame 3 c. The gapsbetween the lamp housings 2 a to 2 d can be closed by permanent elasticplastics such as for example silicon. As an alternative the connectionis possible through suitable elastic intermediate pieces or through webswhich are connected at the sides to the lamp frame 3 c and in which thelamp housings 2 a to 2 d can be inserted similar to the connectionillustrated in FIG. 16.

In order to connect an individual panel lamp module or an illuminationdevice comprised of several panel lamp modules described above to atripod or a wall or ceiling fixing it is possible in addition to thetype of connection described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9through the back wall of the panel lamp modules to provide a holder 6designed as a supporting bracket according to FIG. 16 which is connectedto positive or force locking elements 37, 38 on the side arms of thelamp frame 3. The connection is through counter positive lockingelements or counter force locking elements 63,63′ which are provided atthe ends of the arms 64, 64′ of the supporting bracket 6 and aredesigned to fit into the positive locking or force locking elements 37,38 of the lamp frame 3.

The connection can thereby be produced either through the short or longaxis of the panel lamp module since the supporting bracket 6 accordingto FIG. 16 is designed to be adjusted in length so that the ends of thebracket can be set at different spacing relative to each other. For thisthe arms 64, 64′ of the supporting bracket are inserted in a centrepiece 65 of the bracket which has two oblong holes 67 in which wing nuts66 connected to the bracket arms 64, 64′ are inserted. By loosening thewing nuts 66 the arms 64, 64′ of the supporting bracket can be movedinside the centre piece 65 of the bracket so that the distance betweenthe ends of the arms 64, 64′ can be set relative to each other.

The centre piece 65 of the supporting bracket is connected to aconnecting sleeve or a connecting bolt 68 which can be inserted into awall, ceiling or tripod fixing. The illumination device connected to thesupporting bracket 6 or the panel lamp module connected to the bracket 6can thus be pivoted in any way about the axis which is formed throughthe counter positive locking elements or counter force locking elements63, 63′ of the supporting bracket 6. Since the connection between thecentre piece 65 of the bracket and the connecting sleeve or connectingbolt 68 is rotatable the illumination device can also be pivoted aboutthe axis which is formed through the connecting sleeve or connectingbolt 68.

1. Illumination device consisting of at least two electrical panel lampmodules (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c) which have a module housing (10), whosehousing depth is small compared with the light-emitting front side (20)of the panel lamp module (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c), and which consists of alamp housing (2; 2 a-2 e) and a lamp frame (3; 3 a-3 d) having a greaterdepth and surrounding the lamp housing (2; 2 a-2 e) on the outside andhaving several arms (31-34) in which assembly bores (30) are disposedwhich are spread out and for modular expansion align with the assemblybores (30) in the arms (31-34) of adjoining lamp frames (3; 3 a-3 d) andthrough which connecting elements (7) can be pushed which connect thelamp frames (3; 3 a-3 d) together with positive-locking and/orforce-locking engagement.
 2. Illumination device according to claim 1,characterised in that the lamp housing (2; 2 a-2 e) closes on its frontside flush with the lamp frame (3; 3 a-3 d).
 3. Illumination deviceaccording to claim 1, characterised in that the lamp housing (2; 2 a-2e) can be inserted in the lamp frame (3; 3 a-3 d).
 4. Illuminationdevice according to claim 1, characterised in that the connectingelements consist of lateral connectors (7) with a cylindrical connectingbody (70) whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the assemblybores (30), a stop shoulder (71) mounted at one end of the cylindricalconnecting body (70), a lever (73), and of a bolt (72) connected to thelever (73) and guided through the cylindrical connecting body (70)wherein a groove (74) is formed between the end of the bolt and the endof the cylindrical connecting body (70) wherein the width of the groovecan be changed by actuating the lever (73) and the groove contains anelastic ring (75) which can be expanded through compression. 5.Illumination device according to claim 4, characterised in that theconnecting elements (7) consist of screws and nuts which can be screwedthereto.
 6. Illumination device according to claim 1, characterised inthat spacers (24), preferably designed as rubber buffers and whose outerends project beyond the lamp frame (2) are arranged in the cornerregions of the rear wall (21) of the lamp housing (2; 2 a-2 e) oppositethe light-emitting front side (20).
 7. Illumination device according toclaim 1, characterised in that the lamp housing (2) consists of a lighthousing (26) for holding a planar lamp, a heat distribution plate (25)on the rear side of the light housing (26) opposite the light-emittingfront side of the lamp housing (2), and of a rear wall (21). 8.Illumination device according to claim 1, characterised in that on therear wall (21) of the lamp housing (2) there is at least one contactelement (41) and at least one contact receiver element (42) forcontrolling and supplying current to the panel lamp module (1; 1 a, 1 b,1 c).
 9. Illumination device according to claim 8, characterised in thatthe rear wall (21) of the lamp housing (2) has a central raised region(22) and that the at least one contact element (41) and contact receiverelement (42) are designed multi-polar and are arranged on an end side(23) of the raised region (22).
 10. Illumination device according toclaim 9, characterised in that the central raised region (22) isrectangular with a diagonal side (23) bridging one corner and that theat least one contact element (41) and contact receiver element (42) arearranged on the diagonal side (23).
 11. Illumination device according toclaim 1, characterised in that the panel lamp modules (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c)can be connected to a power supply module through cable connections(80-82).
 12. Illumination device according to claim 1, characterised inthat the electrical panel lamp modules (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c) which arearranged modular in a row can be controlled individually. 13.Illumination device according to claim 1, characterised in that thecontact elements (41, 42; 44, 45) have a number of contacts for theindividual control and power supply of the individual electrical panellamp modules (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c) arranged in series which (number)corresponds to the number of electrical panel lamp modules (1; 1 a, 1 b,1 c) which are arranged in series.
 14. Illumination device according toclaim 1, characterised in that the contact elements (41, 42; 44, 45)have power supply contacts connected to the power supply module, and acontrol and/or data bus through which the electrical panel lamp modules(1; 1 a 1, 1 b, 1 c) arranged in series can be addressed and controlledindividually.
 15. Illumination device according to claim 1,characterised by an electrical switch (43) assigned to each panel lampmodule (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c) for individual activation of the panel lampmodule (1; 1 a 1, 1 b, 1 c).
 16. Illumination device according to claim1, characterised in that the lamp frame (3) can be connected on thelight-emitting front side (20) of the lamp housing (2) to an accessoryframe (9) for holding a filter, shutter, colour foil or the like. 17.Illumination device according to claim 16, characterised in that theaccessory frame (9) connected to the lamp frame (3) can be unfolded awayfrom the lamp frame (3).
 18. Illumination device according to claim 1,characterised in that the lamp frame (3) can be connected to a holder(6) which holds the illumination device.
 19. Illumination deviceaccording to claim 18, characterised in that the arms (31-34) of thelamp frame (3) preferably have in the middle a positive locking or forcelocking engagement element (37, 38) and that the holder consists of asupporting bracket (6) whose ends are provided with counter positivelocking elements or counter force locking engagement elements (63). 20.Illumination device according to claim 19, characterised in that thesupporting bracket (6) is adjustable in length.
 21. Illumination deviceaccording to claim 1, characterised in that the rear wall (21) of thelamp housing (2) is provided with a socket and guide plate (5) in whicha fixing element (8) can be inserted which can be connected to the panellamp module (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c).
 22. Illumination device according toclaim 21, characterised in that the socket and guide plate (5) has atleast two guide rails (51, 52) which are arranged on either side of aninsert opening (53) and that a locking element (15) is mounted on therear wall (21) of the lamp housing (2) in the insert direction of thefixing element (8) in front of the insert opening (53).
 23. Illuminationdevice according to claim 22, characterised in that the locking elementconsists of a resilient pressure member (15).
 24. Illumination deviceaccording to claim 22, characterised in that a handle (50) is formed onthe side of the guide plate (5) opposite the insert opening (53). 25.Illumination device according to claim 1, characterised by the use of aflat discharge lamp as the panel lamp module (1; 1 a, 1 b, 1 c).